Polis Leaves Too Many Prop HH Questions Unanswered
As soon as the debate went live, it was clear that the opinions were split and the outcome could go either way. However, one thing was for certain – both sides of the debate were passionate and committed to their cause.
Despite the passion, Governor Polis wouldn’t answer two questions no matter how many times they were put to him or in how many different ways.
Colorado's Governor Jared Polis, economist Arthur Laffer, Representative Rose Pugliese and Michael Fields
Watch the full debate HERE.
One very specific question is extremely telling, “why not call a special session to deal with Coloradan’s painfully high property taxes?” The truth is, the legislature could have easily fixed the state’s property tax mess but chose not to. Democrats made the choice to go through a ballot measure process because they had to go to voters to ask for their TABOR refunds.
Many insiders at the Capitol believe correcting the mess the legislator created by getting rid of the Gallagher Amendment without a replacement would have been an easy fix. Prop HH was not simpler or quicker but it had one large benefit for Democrats – it gave them voter approval to take TABOR refunds without future approvals.
The debate, sponsored by The Denver Gazette, Colorado Politics, and 9News, featured Gov. Jared Polis and a conservative economist, Arthur Laffer, defending the measure. On the other side, Republican legislator Rose Pugliese and Michael Fields of Advance Colorado Action criticized the ballot question, urging voters to reject it.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Michal Fields of Advance Colorado
Prop HH, referred to the ballot by the Democrat-controlled legislature, aims to keep surplus revenue from the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) for 10 years to offset property tax increases. This convoluted measure also reallocates funds towards rental assistance and education, while expanding property tax relief for seniors.
The proponents argue that the measure will reduce the rate of property tax increase and provide relief in other areas. However, the opponents argue that it's a sneaky tactic to grow the government and prevent future TABOR refunds.
Fields, in particular, called out the Democrats for using the crisis as an opportunity to take away taxpayers' money through TABOR refunds. He pointed out that the governor could solve the problem by calling a special legislative session to cut property tax rates without involving TABOR.
Economist Arthur Laffer
Polis, echoing Laffer's supply-side philosophy, claimed that the measure would help solve the property tax crisis in Colorado. However, Pugliese pointed out that the estimated savings were not significant and that most people won't even notice a decrease in their increasing property tax bills.
She also criticized the Democrats for not consulting local officials, who would be affected by the measure, and for confusing two unrelated tax policies. Pugliese suggested bringing local governments, including school districts, to the table to find a better solution.
Laffer, a long-time friend of Polis, in an attempt to downplay partisan differences, praised the governor's tax-cutting policies. However, he acknowledged that the low property tax rates in Colorado have contributed to the state's success. He argued that Prop HH would continue to fuel growth and benefit the state, despite the fact that it involves taking away taxpayers' money.
On one hand, Governor Polis and Arthur Laffer argued that Proposition HH is a necessary measure to provide much-needed relief to overburdened taxpayers and support education funding in Colorado. They cited the success of a similar measure, Referendum C, which was approved by voters in 2005.
But on the other hand, Rep. Rose Pugliese and Michael Fields of Advance Colorado Action brought a powerful argument against Proposition HH. They pointed out the potential consequences of diverting TABOR dollars, warning voters that it could lead to more government spending and ultimately result in higher taxes for hardworking Coloradans.
Assistant House Minority Leader Rep. Rose Pugliese
Pugliese, in particular, stood out during the debate with her direct experience in allocating property taxes as a former county commissioner. As a single mother who ‘works three jobs,’ she spoke directly to the pain felt by many Coloradans who are struggling to make ends meet with stretched budgets and lower paychecks.
Throughout the debate, Governor Polis was called out for not providing a backup plan in case Proposition HH fails, which recent polls suggest is a possibility. He was also criticized several times for acting glib and avoiding direct answers to important questions.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Michal Fields of Advance Colorado have a heated exchange.
Fields of Advance Colorado also made a valid point by highlighting the lack of leadership from a governor whose party controls all branches of government. To not have a backup plan in case Proposition HH fails.
The governor was asked multiple times by Pugliese, Fields and 9News debate host Marshall Zelinger if he would not call a special session to address the issue at hand – skyrocketing property taxes. Michael Fields noting that Polis’ non answer showed a lack of interest in leadership.
Laffer, in an attempt to downplay partisan differences, praised the governor's tax-cutting policies. However, he acknowledged that the low property tax rates in Colorado have contributed to the state's success. He argued that Prop HH would continue to fuel growth and benefit the state, despite the fact that it involves taking away taxpayers' money.
In the end, Laffer's endorsement of the measure was nothing but a betrayal to conservative principles. As a "Republican, tax-cutting" economist, he should have seen through the Democrats' agenda of growing government and taking away taxpayers' hard-earned money. But instead, he chose to stand by the Democrats and their deceptive tactics.
READ MORE:
The results of the Magellan Strategies survey of 662 Colorado registered voters who are likely to vote in the November 2023 election regarding Proposition HH. The interviews were conducted from June 21st to July 7th, 2023. This survey has a margin of error of +/- 3.81% at the 95 percent confidence interval. (Magellan Strategies)
The recent survey from Magellan Strategies may show majority support for the measure, but that's only because the poll fails to inform respondents of the full impact of Prop HH. When voters are educated on the true effects of the measure, support drops significantly.
It's clear that Prop HH is nothing more than a ploy by Democrats to expand the government and prevent future TABOR refunds. It's time for Colorado voters to see through this deceptive measure and reject it at the ballot box.
Let's not fall for the trap of using a crisis to increase government control and rob taxpayers of their refunds. The real solution lies in cutting property tax rates, and it's time for the governor and the legislature to step up and put taxpayers first.